Ronald "Ringo" Smith

Ronald “Ringo” Smith, Zoongii ode maiingan “Big-hearted Wolf Man”, age 76, began his journey to the spirit world on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from Red Lake, MN.

Ronald was born on October 21, 1948 to Abraham and Maggie (Standing) Smith in Red Lake, MN. Ronald was a “Wandering Man”, who liked fishing and dancing at pow-wows. He loved watching sports – baseball, football and basketball, especially high school basketball. He was part of the Ojibwe Hymn Singers. He loved cruising to the Cut Off to watch the sunset. He liked casino slots, visiting friends and family in Red Lake and Fond du Lac and especially watching his grandkids play. Many considered him “Grandpa.”

Ronald is survived by daughter: Wanda (Doug) Northrup; grandchildren: Michelle (Justin), Evan, Alana, Tiffany, Jim Boy, Jay-R, Troy, Avery, Jasinda, Matt, Nano, Rana and Leigh; great-grandchildren: Justin Jr, Tiko, Tay, Stella, Chicken, Starlajoy, Amariana, Avani, Isaac, Vernelle, Taylee, Maryana, Jamen, JoAnna and Marya; step-children: Itto Kingbird, James “Yum” Kingbird and Eva Kingbird; special nieces and nephews: Debbie Stately, Sarah Limones, Calvin Kingbird, Hank Kingbird and Rodney White; and special cousins: Tom  Charnoski Sr, Carol Wind and Mully Brown.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Abraham and Maggie (Standing) Smith; spouses: Susan (Northrup) Smith and Mary Kingbird; his siblings: Mary White, John Smith, Abraham Smith, Simon Smith, Raymond Smith, Rose White, David Smith, Kenneth Smith, Francis Smith, Dale Smith, Russell Smith and Darwin Smith; sons: Bradley, Phillip, Derek and Dean; and great-grandson: Avery Kingbird Jr.

A wake will begin at 12 PM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Redby Center in Redby, MN, and will continue until the service at 10 AM on Friday, June 6, 2025 with Spiritual Leader Allen Hardy. Active Pallbearers will be Kevin Jones Jr, Evan Butcher, Jimboy Kingbird, Justin Rivera, Matt Kingbird, Justin “Bug” Rivera Jr, Isaac Spears, Tiko Rivera and Rodney White. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ernie Diver, Carol Wind, Mully Brown, Debbie Stately, Greg Stately, Tom Charnoski Sr, Charlie Charnoski Sr, Calvin Kingbird, Hank Kingbird, Liza Spears, Whitney Spears and Kenny Smith. Burial will be at the Sawyer Cemetery on the Fond du Lac Reservation.

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, MN.

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